About Matilda Stitch Co

Hi, I’m Lauren, the founder of Matilda Stitch Co. I make needlepoint kits for little pockets of creative time, sent from Melbourne to stitchers around Australia.

Lauren McCarter, founder of Matilda Stitch Co, at her studio table in Melbourne with Silk & Ivory threads and finished needlepoint pieces on the wall behind her

It started with a Christmas stocking

Needlepoint was always somewhere in the background when I was growing up. My auntie stitched stockings inspired by her time in the US, and my nana did tapestry — the name many Australians use for the same canvas-stitching craft. I knew that one day, when I had children, I wanted to stitch stockings for them too.

When that time came, I struggled to find a kit in Australia that felt like the one I had in mind. So I ordered a rather enormous stocking canvas and some beautiful threads from the US, and jumped straight in.

It was one of the loveliest things I could have done for myself.

A little less scrolling, a little more stitching

On maternity leave, I often reached for my phone during naps and quiet moments at home. Motherhood could feel overwhelming, and scrolling wasn’t always helping. Needlepoint gave me something else to reach for: a few rows, a lovely colour, a small piece of progress.

Lauren McCarter stitching a hand-painted strawberry needlepoint canvas in an armchair

I could put it down whenever I needed to, then pick it up again. I was making something with my hands, enjoying a bit of calm and creating a piece we could keep for years. It brought me a lot of joy.

From my sketchbook to Matilda

Before Matilda, I was a primary school teacher. I’ve always loved drawing and making things, especially the art projects I shared with my students. Once I was hooked on needlepoint, I started sketching my own ideas and turning them into charts using Stitchly.

Lauren McCarter working on a new needlepoint canvas design at her studio table

I also wanted to make it easier to find the materials I loved here in Australia, without placing another expensive overseas order every time I started a project. That became Matilda Stitch Co: hand-painted canvases, thoughtfully put-together kits and beautiful threads, all sent from Melbourne.

You don’t have to call yourself crafty

One of my favourite things about needlepoint is how approachable it can be. Learn a basic stitch, then follow the colours painted on your canvas. I think of it as a little like stitch-by-numbers — with something lovely to use, give or hang at the end.

If you’re curious, our beginner’s guide will help you find your feet. Or choose a needlepoint kit that makes you want to pick up a needle. A passport cover, a keyring, a small framed piece: there’s no need to start with an enormous stocking.

I hope Matilda brings a little of that same joy to your day.

Happy stitching,
Lauren x

Come and see what’s on the go on Instagram and TikTok, or say hello at lauren@matildastitchco.com.